The Biggest Fireworks in the U.S.

Let’s face it: Americans know how to celebrate. And what better way is there to commemorate your freedom than blowing stuff up? All over the nation this Fourth of July people will be craning their necks to watch the biggest fireworks of the year light up the skies. So for your reading pleasure, here are the top seven fireworks extravaganzas happening around the U.S. this Independence Day:

1. New York City—If you’re looking for the biggest fireworks show in the U.S., Macy’s annual display in the Big Apple is probably your best bet. This year they’ll be launching more than 54,000 explosives from the Brooklyn Bridge and barges floating on the East River. Pretty spectacular.

2. Nashville—If you’re looking for a fireworks display with rhythm—and a lot of bang—the Music City is officially vying for the top spot in the fireworks lineup this year. The Let Freedom Sing event promises great live music (obviously) and at least as many fireworks as New York sailing over the skies of downtown Nashville.

3. Washington D.C.—There’s no destination as patriotic as our nation’s capital, so where better to watch some fireworks than at the National Mall Fourth of July Celebration? There you’ll be surrounded by some of America’s most iconic monuments as you watch fireworks light up the sky—and the reflection pool below.

4. Philadelphia—Considering what a big role this city plays in America’s history, it’s no surprise that it’s become a fitting backdrop for one of the biggest Independence Day parties. Philadelphia’s Welcome America festival features an entire week of events and shows all leading up to a big concert and even bigger fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

5. Boston—Yet another highly historical destination, Boston hosts a famous annual fireworks show at the Charles River accompanied by the Boston Pops Orchestra. This display is known for its 1812 Overture finale featuring real cannon fire. With a climax that exciting, it’s no wonder the show draws more than half a million spectators every year.

6. Chicago—The Windy City boasts several fine fireworks displays on Independence Day, but probably the most notable is the fireworks show over Navy Pier. Aside from breathtaking explosions, Chicago also hosts free music and family activities in Millennium Park. And let’s not forget the Taste of Chicago festival where visitors can sample fantastic Chicago food.

7. San Diego—This city’s Big Bay Boom is definitely here to make sure the West Coast doesn’t get left out. This show will be launching explosives simultaneously from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park, and Coronado Ferry Landing all at once in a more than 17-minute-long extravaganza. Awesome.